Nikon D3100 vs Panasonic GF2

Nikon D3100 advantages over Panasonic GF2

• Larger sensor
  APS-C vs 4/3
  More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
• Eye-level viewfinder
  Eye-level vs Rear display only
  You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
• Bigger pixels
  ~ 5.01 vs 4.33 microns
  Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
• Fast startup
  ~0.40 vs 1.0 sec
  Faster startup lets you catch the moment
• Higher effective ISO

  Higher effective ISO

  Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

  Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

  You can learn more at our glossary entry.

  Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.

  D3100 test data on DxO Mark GF2 test data on DxO Mark
  919 vs 506 iso
  Take photos in low light with less noise
• Longer stills battery life
  More info

  Longer stills battery life

  Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

  Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

  550 vs 320 shots
  Capture more photos
• More telephoto lens reach
  83 mm vs 28 mm
  Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
• Shoots 24p video
  Yes vs No
  Gives your movies a big-screen feel
• Shoots 1080p video
  Yes vs No
  You'll want this if you shoot video
• More pixels
  14.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
  Higher resolution photos
• Bulb shutter
  Bulb vs No bulb
  Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
• Faster JPEG shooting
  2.9 fps vs 2.6 fps
  Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
• Higher extended ISO
  12800 vs 6400 ISO
  Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility